This election season, four candidates are running for positions on the Grinnell-Newburg School District Board. All candidacies are unopposed.
Candidates Ben Cooprider and Rebecca Sallee Hanson are running for positions as board members at-large, while Chris Starrett and Tyler Harter are running for positions in their respective districts.
The Scarlet & Black reached out to the candidate with questions about their background and why they are running for the Grinnell-Newburg School District Board. The following are the candidates’ responses. Responses may have been lightly edited for clarity.
Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Grinnell is divided into 4 wards, which determine where a resident votes. Wards 1 and 2 vote at Elks Lodge, Ward 3 votes at Drake Library and Ward 4 votes at the 4H Building, County Fairgrounds.
Ben Cooprider
Position running for: Board member at large
Grew up in: I was born in Minnesota and grew up in Illinois.
Educational background: Bachelor’s degree from Carleton College and a MBA from Drake University.
Current occupation: I’m currently the Deputy Director of Athletics here at Grinnell College.
Political experience: I’ve served on the City of Grinnell Parks & Recreation board for four years, but have not had any partisan political experience.
Age: Prefer not to disclose.
Rebecca Sallee Hanson
Running for: Board member at large
Grew up in: Spencer, Wisconsin
Current occupation: I work remotely as the webmaster for the Sisters of Loretto/Loretto Community (an order of Catholic nuns and lay associates).
Educational background: BAs from Saint Mary’s University in English Literature and Spanish; MA in Human Development – Multicultural Education and Relations.
Political experience: This is my first time running for an elected office.
Age: 48
Chris Starrett
Running for: Board member, District 1
Grew up in: Grinnell, Iowa
Current occupation: Business Owner of SV Aerial & Consulting.
Educational background: GHS Alum, Indian Hills Community College (2 Year) AAS in Aviation Management, Mount Mercy University (4 year) BA in Criminal Justice.
Political experience: One four-year term on the Grinnell-Newburg School District Board.
Age: 43
Tyler Harter (Incumbent)
Running for: Board member, District 2
Grew up in: Grinnell, Iowa
Current occupation: Plant Manager – TPI Composites.
Educational background: GHS Grad 2004. Bachelors of Business Administration in Management.
Political experience: None.
Age: 40
Why are you running for this position?
Ben Cooprider: We have skilled and passionate professionals, talented and intelligent students, and a well-meaning community that is paying close attention to its future. Our students are outperforming most similarly sized schools in the state, and we have a chance to help continue to grow this amazing potential beyond current successes. I am willing and committed to the work required. If elected, I hope to be a level-headed, inquisitive, and reasoned member of the board who can be a good ambassador for and to the district.
Rebecca Sallee Hanson: My spouse and I currently have three kids in the Grinnell-Newburg school district in 6th grade, 4th grade and kindergarten, so I have a vested interest in seeing our school district continue to develop and thrive. Also, those elected to the school board this term will be responsible for overseeing the hiring of a new school superintendent and the construction of the new elementary school here in Grinnell. I have skills, background and experience that I can contribute to those processes.
Chris Starrett: I’m running for another term on the Grinnell–Newburg School District Board to continue moving our district in the right direction. Over the past few years, we’ve made great progress and achieved important successes, and I want to keep building on that momentum to ensure our students, staff, and community continue to thrive.
Tyler Harter: To continue supporting the progress of the district. Building the new elementary, along with identifying a permanent Superintendent, are some big milestones for the district in the coming years.
How do you envision your role in promoting relations and collaboration between the City and Grinnell College?
Ben Cooprider: It’ll be invaluable to have a board that continues to have present and transparent communication. Seeing Superintendent Beames work through the past two years, including being out in front of the PPEL conversation, demonstrated to me the value of open and clear communication to all facets of the district. This is something I’m proud of in my work and will hope to continue in the work as a school board member.
Rebecca Sallee Hanson: Grinnell public schools and Grinnell College collaborate in a number of ways already, and I will continue to encourage and support that. Students at the College volunteer and support a number of programs in the schools already (Girls’ Math Club and Art Club at the middle school are two). They work with students in community activities as well (Studio 6 Art classes, Grinnell Children’s Choir and the Stew are three examples). Students in Grinnell schools benefit from time with the College students and the College students gain valuable experience working with children. I’d love to see those opportunities for interaction expand.
Chris Starrett: I believe the Grinnell–Newburg School District is the glue that holds our community together and connects the City and the College in more ways than one. When you have a strong school district, it shows that the community truly cares about its kids, families, and staff—and that’s what makes people want to live here. Grinnell College employs a lot of great people and families, and having a solid, high-quality school system encourages those families to stay and be part of this great community. When our schools succeed, the whole community succeeds.
Tyler Harter: It is important for the city, school district and Grinnell College to collaborate as needed to ensure Grinnell continues to be an attractive location where both current and potential new residents feel they can succeed and grow. As a school board member, it is necessary to keep that thought in mind when making decisions/plans for our future
What are, in your opinion, the most relevant issues that affect Grinnell and how do you wish to improve upon them?
Ben Cooprider: Enrollment. Right now, our open enrollment out of district is too high. We need to figure out why this has been happening and get these numbers down. We have great schools, and I want all of Grinnell’s children to be part of that community. It’s an exciting time for the G-N school district with the new elementary school and superintendent search already in progress. I have a lot to learn about the specifics and process of each, but I believe both changes will allow for better collaboration, improved support services, and a growth in the feeling of community among staff and families.
Rebecca Sallee Hanson: As a prospective school board member, school finances and resources for students are one of my top concerns. My goal is to work to find more ways that the school district and Grinnell College can advocate for and share resources for the benefit of students in both institutions.
Chris Starrett: First off, I’ve always believed that if you’re going to point out an issue, you should also offer a solution to help fix it. One of the biggest issues in Grinnell is communication — not just within the city, but also between the city and the school district. That said, I do believe our school board has been moving in the right direction. We’ve worked to improve communication by launching an updated website and strengthening our social media presence so that our message is clear and unified. One mission, one message — that’s what we’re working toward as a district and as a community.
Tyler Harter: Declining enrollment, I feel, is the biggest issue for the school district. Understanding the reasons for open enrollment out of district and ensuring our district is offering as many opportunities as possible is an important element to ensure continued progress and growth for the district.
